forage — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
forage searches for MCP servers, installs approved ones, and exposes their tools to your agent. Use it when a task calls for a tool that is not configured yet.
claude mcp add forage -- npx -y forage-mcpWhat forage does
forage acts as a gateway to other MCP servers. It searches the Official MCP Registry, Smithery, and npm, provides package details, then launches a selected server as a child process and proxies its tools. The agent can use newly added tools without restarting.
Installing a server requires explicit user approval: each install call must include confirm: true. forage keeps state in ~/.forage/ and starts previously installed servers when it launches. The forage_learn tool can save usage instructions in agent rule files such as CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, or .cursor/rules/. You stay in control of each install; the agent cannot add a server without your approval.
What it helps with
- search for an MCP server that fits a task
- check package details before installing a server
- make a new server's tools available without restarting
- save tool instructions in agent rule files
- list running servers or remove an installed one
Example prompts for the agent
- Find an MCP server for working with Postgres and show me the package details.
- Install the selected MCP server after I approve it, then make its tools available.
- Save instructions for the installed tool in an agent rule file.
How to install forage
Platform CLI
claude mcp add forage -- npx -y forage-mcpPlatform CLI
codex mcp add forage -- npx -y forage-mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"forage": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"forage-mcp"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"forage": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"forage-mcp"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add forage npx -y forage-mcpStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about forage
How do I install forage in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add forage -- npx -y forage-mcp, then start a new session.
What does forage do?
It searches for MCP servers, lets you inspect package details, and runs an approved server as a proxy for its tools. Previously installed servers start again with forage.
Does forage install a server without approval?
No. Every forage_install call needs explicit user approval through confirm: true.
